Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog. Description, features, care and price of the breed

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Care and maintenance

This dog gets along well with people in the house. It can be placed next to your bed, preparing a comfortable soft lounger. She will not disturb the person sleeping next to her, unless she gets hungry. Also be sure to please your pet with noisy and colorful toys. He'll love a clinking rattle, a rubber duck, or a soft teddy bear.

Also, be sure to provide a litter tray for your indoor dog. Yes, she can and should go to the toilet outside, but if you live in an apartment, then both you and her will be more comfortable if she uses the litter box when needed. It's convenient for everyone. But, do not forget to regularly change the sand in it, otherwise the spread of an unpleasant odor will become inevitable.

Note! A proud Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog will never share a litter box with a domestic cat. She will probably compete for him and may even start a fight.

If you live with such a dog in a country house, that’s even better. He will definitely enjoy spending a long time outside, especially if there are other animals living in the house. He will happily get along with them, but only if there are no bullies among them.

This animal is unpretentious in care. The only caveat is that it needs to be combed daily. Straight, silky coat is the main advantage of such a dog. In order for it to always remain beautiful, it needs to be combed, but only with a soft comb. This should be done carefully so that the dog does not get hurt. It is important to untangle the fur under his feet well, as this is where he gets most tangled.

Spaniels also need to have their earwax removed weekly. It will accumulate in the ears gradually and lead to inflammation of the canals. To clean the Cavalier King's ears, use ordinary cotton wool.

The animal's teeth should be brushed. It is not necessary to use toothpaste. We advise you to pay attention to his eyes. If there is souring on them, it is better to rinse the dog’s face with water.

Her fur is very soft and shiny. It is not at all necessary to cut it; it is enough to wash it with shampoo and comb it once every 2 months. But, if the dog is playing outside in bad weather, he must be wiped with a wet towel or bathed again.

Caring for such a pet must necessarily include parasite prevention. It is recommended to give it tablets and capsules against fleas and worms. Even if, in your opinion, parasites do not bother your dog, there is definitely a point in taking appropriate medications. Prevention is the best medicine!

And lastly, Charles Spaniels often get cold, even in warm weather. When going for a walk with them in winter, think about insulating them. Don't forget to buy warm clothes for your pet, especially a cotton suit.

History of the Origin of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

The Cavalier King Charles belongs to the group of small (toy) spaniels, whose ancestors were most likely Asian breeds of small dogs such as Tibetan spaniels or Japanese chins. Such dogs can often be seen in European paintings starting from the 15th century. They are photographed in luxurious palace interiors, posing with royal families and accompanying noblemen on walks.

Small spaniels were especially popular during the reign of Kings Charles the First and Second, in the early to mid-17th century. In honor of the kings, the dogs began to be called King Charles Spaniels (Charles in English spelling - Charles). More than a hundred dogs of this breed were kept at the royal court alone, each of which was served by its own groomer.

But fashion changed with the change of dynasties and by the end of the century everyone fell in love with pugs, imitating William of Orange, who took the royal throne. Spaniels began to change their appearance, acquiring the features of new favorites: a flat muzzle, a rounded skull, low-set ears. This type began to predominate towards the end of the 19th century.

Dog handler Roswell Eldridge from the USA decided to revive the old type that charmed him in ancient portraits. Since 1926, he began collecting old-fashioned puppies for his kennel, which from time to time were born to new types of dogs. These pups and Eldridge's followers created a new breed. She became known as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The short-faced type retained the former name “King Charles Spaniels.”

The English Kennel Club registered the breed in 1928, establishing its standard, but it was not until 1945 that the short-faced and long-faced spaniel breeds were recognized as independent. In addition to the long muzzle, Cavaliers are distinguished by a flat skull, high-set ears and larger size. The international federation FCI recognized her in 1955, placing her in the section of English Toy Spaniels from the group of decorative dogs and companions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE KING CHARLES SPANIEL BREED

The King Charles Spaniel or English Toy Spaniel is a small indoor dog that is perfect for living in a home of any size. These dogs inherited a large head with a flattened muzzle from pugs, a strong and harmonious body from hunting spaniels, and a gentle disposition from Maltese and small Spitz dogs. This breed is widespread in England, the USA, and Canada, enjoying well-deserved popularity as a pleasant companion dog.

An expressive muzzle, intelligence and affection for the owner are the main features of these dogs. In England they are called Charlies, and their closest relatives, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, are called Cavaliers. Charlie's colors are very bright. Bright red with a black nose, black with bright tan, white with red or black and tan spots - these colors always attract attention to the Charlie from passers-by.

The small size and the fact that this breed has been a toy breed for a very long time has led to the fact that many King Charles Spaniels do not have a bold character. Any dog ​​can easily offend them, after which Charlie will be afraid of his fellow tribesmen for a long time or even refuse to go outside. But they are able to sit in the arms of their owner for many hours, maintaining an imperturbable appearance. An attempt by a stranger to approach and communicate can cause a lot of negative emotions in the little watchman. King Charles Spaniels are jealous and distrustful of strangers and are often unreasonably aggressive. That is why this breed is very rare at shows - a very small number of dogs have sufficient show temperament and love to be shown.

BREED STANDARD KING CHARLES SPANIEL

The King Charles Spaniel is a small decorative breed that has retained its liveliness and loyalty to its owners as working gun spaniels. Despite their small size, the dogs are quite balanced and have a strong and stable body.

The breed has a well-defined sexual type. Males have a larger head, are more courageous, and have a more compact body. Bitches are more tender and graceful, with a gentle expression on their faces, and are more stretched out over the body.

Constitution type – strong/dry. The skin should fit tightly to the muscles, the muscles should be dry, and the bones should be strong, but not heavy. Signs of dwarf dwarfism and infantilism of the dog are not welcome.

The body of the Charlie should be neither overly stretched nor shortened. Dogs of this breed have a square format; stockiness or high legs are not typical for the breed.

The coat is straight or somewhat wavy, the hair is well defined, should be silky to the touch, and fit tightly to the body. There are 4 recognized colors in the breed.

- Ruby. Bright red color with a hint of mahogany. No white spots. Black hairs on the back are undesirable.

— Black and Tan or King Charles. According to legend, this was the favorite color of King Charles II, one of the famous lovers of the breed. Both colors should be clean and bright, with well-defined tan marks. No white spots

- Blenheim. Named after Blenheim Castle, where this color variety was bred. Spotted, with well-defined chestnut spots on a white background with a pearly tint. A chestnut color is required on the head and ears, preferably a colored spot similar to a thumbprint on the white blaze of the head.

- Tricolor. Similar to Blenheim, but the spots are black and tan. The ears are black, with characteristic red spots above the eyebrows.

Charlie's skull is very large relative to the body, rounded without protruding cheekbones and occipital protuberance. The muzzle is short, somewhat upturned or straight. The ears are set low.

The eyes are set low, wide and straight. Should be dark, with invisible whites. The eyelids are fully pigmented, well taut, not raw.

The teeth are white, healthy, and quite large. Bite – a tight bite or with a slight deviation that does not disturb the overall harmony of the head. The body is strong, with a straight back, a short elastic loin and a slightly sloping muscular croup. When moving, your back should be straight.

Chest of moderate width and depth. The abdomen is moderately tucked.

The most serious defects include:

cowardice or uncontrollable aggressiveness,

plump, curly, loose, trimmed coat,

white spots on black and tan and ruby ​​coats,

scissor bite, undershot or severe undershot, spoiling the breed's expression of the muzzle,

atypical color,

amble or hackney (horse gait),

light eyes, incomplete lining of the eyelids.

unilateral or complete cryptorchidism in males.

FEATURES OF KING CHARLES SPANIEL

The main breed characteristics of King Charles Spaniels are the cause of health problems for these dogs. The crossing of small gun spaniels with pugs has not left its mark on this breed, in which many of the characteristics of pugs are cultivated. In particular, from them Charlies inherited their problems with eyes and tails, which are unusual for spaniels. Dental problems are also typical for the breed.

So, two Charlies with docked tails can give birth to both straight-tailed puppies and babies with the kinks characteristic of pugs. Their severity depends on many factors and cannot be predicted in advance. Previously, when all the tails of these dogs were docked, the problem was not so pronounced. Now, when it is recommended to show dogs with natural tails, docking is used only if there is a break. When purchasing a docked puppy, you should remember that the problem is hereditary.

Major dental problems include malocclusion and jaw misalignment. The structure of the head of these dogs is such that the bite takes a very long time to form, sometimes up to 9 – 12 months. At this time, you should not pull toys with them; you should also monitor the change of teeth and, if necessary, pull out delayed milk teeth from the veterinarian so that they interfere with the proper growth of adult teeth.

Eye problems include cherry eye, cataracts, retinal atrophy, dry eye, and glaucoma. Many of them are hereditary.

It should also be noted that the timidity characteristic of these dogs is also inherited. Therefore, it is better to choose an active, cheerful male to pair with a timid bitch, even if he is simpler in appearance than a cowardly one.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Like all decorative breeds, King Charles Spaniels require close attention from their owners. Perhaps the easiest thing to care for is their wool. It is enough to comb it once or twice a week with a brush or comb, and after a walk, remove a small amount of clinging burrs. The texture of the fur of these dogs is such that debris and seeds do not stick to it due to its smoothness.

Low-set, heavy ears should be examined weekly. Their redness may be the result of allergies, otitis, fungus or ear mites. For effective treatment, it is important to identify and eliminate the cause. Healthy ears are cleaned as earwax accumulates using special lotions. You should also select a bowl for your dog in such a way that while eating, the ears do not get into the food and get dirty. This problem can also be solved by feeding your dog exclusively dry food. Then the water bowl should be high. After eating and drinking, your ears should be wiped dry with a towel or special covers should be put on them.

Small and light, King Charles Spaniels are not capable of grinding their nails down on their own. Therefore, from the age of two weeks, they are trimmed every month, accustoming the puppy to this procedure immediately after he arrives in the house.

Dogs' large, expressive eyes will also require constant monitoring. They need to be inspected every morning and any discharge removed. With increased lacrimation, you will need to use cosmetics that remove tear stone.

It is better to arrange a place for the dog on a sofa raised above the floor so that it does not suffer from drafts. Many Charlies quickly learn to go to the special doggy toilet. However, you should not condemn your baby to apartment confinement. He will be happy to go for a walk, and will feel healthy and cheerful, having the opportunity to go on regular walks.

A short nose creates problems for dogs during the hot season. Therefore, in the southern regions it is recommended to keep them either in private houses or in apartments with air conditioning. A cooling vest or headscarf is a useful piece of equipment in summer.

FEEDING AND NUTRITION

The optimal diet for King Charles Spaniels is a combination of meat, vegetables and ready-made food. It is only important that dry and natural food do not end up in the same plate. Porridges are used very rarely for feeding decorative dogs, unless they are recommended as dietary food.

Considering the fact that many Charlies suffer from allergies, ready-made food is selected in such a way that its composition, indicated on the back of the bag, does not contain wheat or chicken. Grain-free food based on meat and vegetables is also good for these dogs.

Beef, horse meat, and lamb can be used as a source of protein. If your dog likes fish, you can add stewed low-fat sea varieties to the diet. It is important that the fish is well stewed or that all sharp bones are removed from it.

Charlie eats fermented milk products well - cottage cheese, yogurt, homemade yogurt, kefir. It is important that they are not greasy. You can add quail eggs to them. Unlike chicken, they are not allergenic, improve digestion, and make the coat more beautiful.

If you decide to introduce porridge into your dog’s diet, it is better to use rice, buckwheat and oatmeal. It is better to give them in a mixture so that the rice does not stick to the dog’s palate, creating problems for him with feeding.

The number of meals depends on the age of the puppy. Charlie babies under 2 months of age eat 5 times a day. Up to 4 months of age, 4 times a day. From six months, dogs are fed three times a day. By the age of one year, you can transfer them to two feedings a day.

When leaving, you should not leave your dog’s bowl of food freely available. This makes it impossible to control the diet and makes it more difficult to train the dog. A healthy appetite and interest in treats are the key to successful training and proper upbringing of your dog.

KING CHARLES SPANIEL PUPPIES

King Charles Spaniel puppies are charming, big-eyed puppies that are incredibly attractive even in childhood. You should choose them only from a kennel, avoiding those breeders who keep many similar breeds of dogs at the same time, for example, American cockers, cavaliers and Charlies. In this case, there is always a risk of acquiring a mixed-breed baby who will never be able to successfully participate in exhibitions. Mixed breeds of different spaniels at a young age are very similar to each other, especially for the three listed breeds.

Activation of puppies of small breeds is carried out no earlier than they are 8 weeks old, that is, 2 months. During this procedure, the puppy is branded or chipped and a puppy card is issued. As the puppy undergoes routine vaccinations, a veterinary passport is also added to its documents. Responsible breeders usually plan for the babies to move to new homes after the second vaccination. However, each nursery has its own rules in this regard.

Choosing a puppy is a matter of personal taste and preferences. All colors in this breed are crossed with each other and the most diverse litters will be from rubies and Blenheims. In this combination, babies of all four colors can be born. Black and tan and tricolor dogs can only produce black and tan or tricolor puppies.

All puppies should be cheerful, active and interested in human contact. Fearful kids who run away at the sight of a stranger are unlikely to ever become brave and friendly. Mistrustful and fearful puppies become very attached to the owner and will be completely dependent on him, suffering during his absence. They usually always stay close to the owner and rarely play with other dogs. In general, this temperament is not suitable for every owner.

Considering the considerable cost of a Charlie, the purchase of a show dog should be accompanied by drawing up an agreement with the breeder. This will resolve most issues that may arise in the future. The more details were discussed during the purchase, the less discrepancies and friction there will be if the puppy’s bite changes or rickets develops from improper rearing.

TRAINING KING CHARLES SPANIEL

Decorative dog breeding very rarely in breeding pays attention to the training ability of dogs and the strength of their nervous system. However, this does not mean that all such dogs are poorly trained. Many of them quickly learn basic commands if taught consistently and kindly.

It is better to do classes before feeding. A hungry dog ​​responds better to treats. If the owner has no experience in training dogs, it is better to conduct the first lessons with a dog handler. It is important to find a low-conflict training specialist who is familiar with positive reinforcement training. Old school trainers or those who train service dogs according to IPO are not suitable in this case.

Charlies are not naturally inclined to run away from their owners. They easily learn to call for a treat and follow the owner. It is important that other dogs do not scare Charlie - this dog can run away and get lost out of fear. It is important to constantly keep the dog's attention on you while walking. To do this, the owner must always carry a tasty treat with him, periodically call out to the dog and treat it for turning its head in his direction. The purpose of the exercise is to teach Charlie to constantly look back at the owner, tracking his movement.

Many dwarf spaniels willingly engage in various sports. True, training with them is impossible in hot weather. They are excellent at retrieving, including from the water, and are interested in working with the plate and puller. It is only important that the shells are the right size for them.

Charlie is also good in freestyle. Dancing with a dog improves contact, develops coordination, trains the brain and is very popular with the dogs themselves. In addition, it is very spectacular and increases the popularity of the breed.

Of course, your baby will have a great time just running around the park and not really knowing how to do anything. But such an approach will not reveal the dog’s potential, will not give it the opportunity to develop and learn what it is capable of for the sake of its owner.

HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF THE BREED

The history of the King Charles Spaniels begins in Europe in the 14th century. Among the gun spaniels, small dogs are periodically born that are unsuitable for hunting, but are very popular with the ladies of the court. They are alert and pleasant to deal with, and artists of those times often depict them on their canvases next to high-society housewives. The breed was named after the English king Charles II, who appeared everywhere with his four-legged pets.

Little toy spaniels (toy means toy in English) warmed the hands of ladies in cold castles, guarded and entertained them on boring winter evenings. They could hunt small game, but this was required of them less and less.

After the fashion for pugs began in England, King Charles Spaniels lost the long muzzles characteristic of hunting dogs. It was believed that the bridge of this dog’s nose should fit a little finger, no more. By 1926, almost all dogs had become short-faced.

After enthusiasts began to restore the type of small hunting dogs, the breed was divided into two. King Charles Spaniels remained the same type, and dogs closer in type to hunters were called Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Separate breeding began in 1945. The current version of the standard was adopted in 1997.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE BREED

Charlie's original color is black. In obtaining the modern type, not only pugs were used, but also Japanese chins and small bulldogs. Until 1885, only two Charlie colors were known: Blenheim and solid black and tan. The tricolor and ruby ​​were legalized in 1892.

The Blenheim color is named after the English castle in which this color was obtained and established. The ancestors of dogs of this color were of Italian origin, and the castle belonged to the Dukes of Marlborough.

Among the fans of toy spaniels was the ninth Duke of Marlborough. There are photographs of him with dogs taken at the 1898 exhibition at Blenheim Palace.

Comparing appearance, some consider English Toy Spaniels to be related to Tibetan Spaniels. This conclusion cannot be considered correct, since Tibetan dogs developed separately over many centuries. Their similarity with European toy spaniels is the convergence of breeds, that is, the convergence of characteristics in individuals of unrelated populations.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - description of the breed

An active, cheerful dog with an elegant, well-balanced, athletic exterior. Cheerful by nature, absolutely fearless, friendly, with no signs of aggression towards strangers. Not prone to hysterics. Height (at the withers) 30 – 33 cm with weight – 4.5 – 8 kg.

Construction details:

• The head has a flat (between the ears) skull, the stop is smoothed. The black nose ends with a wedge-shaped muzzle up to 4 cm long. The lips are not drooping, the jaws are strong and well closed. The bite is like a scissors, that is, the top row overlaps the bottom;
• The eyes are round and large, spaced apart, dark;
• The ears are hanging, long, with lush, beautifully hanging fur;
• The neck is of moderate length and slightly arched;
• The body has strong muscles, the back is straight, fairly wide, the lower back does not bend. The chest is not expanded, with springy ribs;
• The tail is raised, showing good humor, but not much higher than the level of the back. It can be stopped by no more than a third. It should be borne in mind that some systems prohibit docking for humanitarian reasons;
• Legs with moderately thick bones, strong, straight, with neat paws gathered into a ball. They move freely, gracefully, the back and front are parallel to each other;
• The coat is long and silky, straight or with a slight wave, flutters beautifully, without trimming.

Disadvantages of the breed are considered to be deviations from the listed parameters. The severity of the deficiency depends on the degree of deviation and, especially, on its effect on the health of the animal. Dogs with behavior unusual for this breed, aggressive or excessively fearful are subject to disqualification.

Popular colors of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

The colors of the cavalry outfits correspond to those that were seen in the times of the Stuarts and captured by the artists of that time. Eldridge, when collecting the founders of the breed, offered £25 for dogs similar to those in paintings contemporary with Charles II. Although the main attention was paid to spaniels of the Blenheim color - the most valuable and unique, characteristic of this breed.

Colors should be rich, rich, without halftones. Colored spots, including scorch marks, are evenly colored and sharply outlined (without merging, the so-called “raincoat”).

There are four types of colors in total:

1. Blenheim is a special breed color: bright and clear chestnut spots are scattered on a snow-white background, two spots on the sides of the head are symmetrical, extending over the eyes, leaving a white muzzle, forehead and, often, a stripe on the head. It is desirable that this stripe (on the crown) have a chestnut spot in the shape of a diamond (Blenheim spot);
2. Black and tan - the entire coat is black, the tan marks are bright red, on the usual places: eyebrows, cheeks, chest and paws, under the tail and on the inside of the ears. Preferably without white markings;
3. Bright dark red (ruby, red) – the whole dog has an even fiery red color, preferably without white markings;
4. Tricolor (three-color) - a fur coat with black and white spots that are clearly separated from each other without gray areas. There are tan marks on the cheeks, eyebrows, on the inside of the ears and legs, and also under the tail.

Any other colors or patterns or combinations of the listed colors are undesirable. In solid colors, a small white marking on the chest or throat is acceptable. But there should be no white spots on the paws, muzzle and forehead. In colors with white, speckling on white areas is not allowed.

Color can subconsciously influence the choice of a pet. For example, light and bright dogs seem more cheerful and kind. In fact, such a dependence does not exist, and when choosing a puppy, you need to focus on the behavior of the animal, and not its color.

Photo

Black and Tan

The dogs are raven (black) with bright red tan markings. The tan marks have a clear shape and are located on the chest, limbs, under the tail, on the cheekbones, above the eyes and on the inside of the ears. White spots are not allowed.

Blenheim

The dogs are pearly white with distinct chestnut spots. A white diamond on the crown indicates that it belongs to this breed.

Ruby (mahogany)

The solid color is bright red with a hint of mahogany. White spots are not allowed.

Tricolor

The main background is pearl white. There are black spots on it. Red tan marks are located on the eyebrows, cheekbones, chest, paws and inner surface of the ears. Between the eyes there is a wide white stripe extending onto the forehead.

Character and habits of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

You don’t need any special knowledge to handle this breed of dog; it doesn’t have any specific needs. It is quite suitable for inexperienced owners who are just joining the ranks of dog owners. It is enough to master the general rules of relationships with dogs to get a Cavalier King.

Interesting fact: The main character traits of gentlemen are spelled out in the standard - friendliness and playfulness. Dogs are emotional to the point of incontinence, but show only positive emotions. Aggressiveness and fearful hysteria are not characteristic of them, at least not of purebred individuals. The manifestation of such qualities serves as a basis for disqualification and a ban on mating.

A decent gentleman not only adores his owner, he is equally friendly with all family members and loves to play with children. Even if they cause him inconvenience and pull his ears, the gentleman does not snap, but simply tries to avoid contact. But when alone, the pet truly suffers and its favorite place is always next to its owner.

Cavalier Kings treat strangers as potential friends and bark out of excitement, not anger. If they see a stranger as dangerous, they will most likely run away. The guards among them are useless. In their relationships with dogs, they do not try to dominate or defend territory, preferring to play.

On a five-point scale, a gentleman can be characterized as follows:

• 5 - attitude towards children, qualities of a companion;
• 4 - getting along with other pets, adaptability to city housing, ability to train, difficulty in caring for, suitability for agility;
• 3 - molting, watchdog qualities, need for physical activity;
• 1 - security qualities, ability to hunt.

Mass commercial breeding often neglects the careful selection of partners and the culling of puppies, so dogs appear on the market that lack the most valuable quality of the breed - its good nature. Some owners cultivate hostility in their pets towards everyone around them. Unable to bite, they realize their desire through the dog.

Raising and socializing a dog

Let's start with the main thing, representatives of the breed are real fidgets. It is difficult to turn their attention to themselves, especially if they are upset about something. The Cavalier King loves games, especially noisy and active ones, so it is extremely difficult to train him by professionally teaching him traditional dog commands.

That is why the vast majority of owners of such pets, when faced with the slightest difficulties associated with their training, give up this idea. But in vain. When raising and teaching the commands of this dog, you should show persistence and patience. He can even perform in the circus, performing complex acrobatic tricks!

You should start with minimal loads. Stock up on treats to reward your young Cavalier King dog for her efforts. Be sure to praise her, pat her on the head and treat her to delicious food. This will make her interested in the learning process. Never shout at her, so as not to frighten or offend her.

Let the animal get used to your company. Don't push it away if it wants to lie or sit next to you. You can go for a walk together, do household chores, relax and even go to the sea. Such a pet will definitely not cause problems. He is easy to carry in his hands, he rarely gets sick and almost never gets spoiled.

However, there must be rules in the house for him. First, immediately explain to the dog that stealing food from the table will result in punishment (verbal reprimand or removal from the room). Secondly, he should also be punished for growling at household members. And thirdly, demonstrate to him that small children and animals are his friends, not enemies. Be present while they meet.

Interesting facts about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Doggies, tiny little creatures that can be carried in your arms, have been valued by noble ladies since the Middle Ages. Ladies suffered from fleas without reliable insecticides. Fur trinkets, dogs and other furry animals with an obedient character served to attract insects. King Charles spaniels, the prototypes of the modern cavalier, fit this role perfectly both in size and character.

The Blenheim color is so named because the first Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill, kept spaniels of this color at his Blenheim estate in the 18th century. He went hunting with them to the park and appreciated the fact that they kept up with the horse. What their hunting success was is unknown; modern cavaliers are not very good as a hunter's assistant.

As for the notorious spot on the head, its origin is much more mysterious. The legend that tells of his appearance will satisfy only lovers of mysticism. It tells that while the Duke of Marlborough was at war, his wife was naturally agitated and, in order to calm down, kissed her pregnant dog on the crown. As a result, the dog gave birth to puppies with such spots.

There is also a popular legend that there is a special decree of Charles the Second allowing King Charles Spaniels to enter any institution in Great Britain. Previously, only guide dogs had this right. In one version of the myth, the permission applies only to the Houses of Parliament.

The UK Parliament website has had to deny that, contrary to popular rumours, Parliament's rules do not state that King Charles Spaniels are allowed into the Palace of Westminster. Despite searches, no trace of such a decree from the king has been found.

How to choose a puppy

Since the end of the last century, interest in this breed of spaniels has increased in Russia. It is better to buy a puppy from a well-known nursery, whose owners value their reputation. Here the dogs are kept in the necessary conditions, vaccinations are carried out in a timely manner. Passports and a vaccination card are issued for each King Charles. Most breeders do not leave the new owner alone with possible problems. They keep in touch with him and are ready to consult and give advice on all issues of interest.

A puppy costs on average from 70 to 100 thousand rubles. Such a high cost is due to the fact that in the future, with proper training, the pet can make a profit by performing at exhibitions and shows. This price also includes an examination of the puppy for the presence of major pathologies characteristic of this breed.

In an attempt to save money, spaniel lovers are looking for a puppy through advertisements in the newspaper or on the Internet. In this case, the probability of purchasing a cheaper mestizo or just a mongrel similar to this breed is high. And the documents may not be valid or may not exist at all. Without a passport and vaccination certificate, the pet will not be able to participate in exhibitions.

The following recommendations will help you choose a Cavalier puppy:

1. Do not take a puppy from a kennel that is messy and unsanitary.
2. A responsible breeder will always test for genetic diseases. Ask for the relevant documents. If they are missing or the results are questionable, do not buy the dog. The likelihood of acquiring a sick pet is high.
3. Temperament does not depend on gender, so choose a spaniel depending on your taste.
4. Check out the puppy's pedigree. Examine the passport of both parents. This will help avoid purchasing an animal from inbreeding, that is, from animals that are close relatives.
5. The puppy should be friendly, affectionate and inquisitive. A lethargic individual indicates that she has nervous or psychological exhaustion.

By following these rules, you will gain a healthy, kind friend.

Pros and cons of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Quarry Kings are considered an easy breed that can be mastered by a novice dog breeder. The main thing is that they are not aggressive, and an error in handling them will not lead to serious injuries. However, a breed is a breed, but we must not forget about socialization and training. If you don’t work with your dog and let its upbringing take its course, it is unlikely to show its valuable qualities.

After proper socialization, gentlemen will get along without problems with a large family, with small, restless children. They will be able to get used to other pets, although their desire to play will not always be met with pleasure. And the remaining remnants of the hunting instinct will force the dog to catch small animals like game.

What else is good about a gentleman:

• Well trained, learns tricks;
• Can perform, although not very successfully, in such types of competitions as agility and obedience;
• A pleasant companion for the elderly;
• A cheerful companion during walks and long trips with the whole family;
• Non-conflict when meeting with other dogs, tries to avoid fights;
• Affectionate, loves to be petted and just lie with a person, which allows him to be used for zootherapy (pet therapy).

The disadvantages of the breed include some carelessness, due to the liveliness of character and not too high intelligence. Dogs do not always cope with emotions and forget about the good manners they were taught when they see an opportunity to have fun. For example, jumping on a stranger.

It is not a working breed and is unlikely to be used on the farm. A good-natured disposition makes the gentleman a poor protector, and if he is good for anything, it is only to warn about the arrival of strangers or suspicious noise.

Training

The breed is smart and quick-witted, so they begin training and education right away. Cavalier puppies are able to understand and remember commands as early as 8 weeks. There is no need to wait until the dog is six months old - at 6 months the puppy will have already learned to shirk activities that he does not like and to be stubborn. You can train a puppy at home, or you can bring him at 10-12 weeks to a puppy training class at a kennel club.

There are some nuances in training small breed dogs that need to be taken into account. It is imperative to take into account the breed characteristics and temperament of your pet. Cavalier training is best done in the form of an exciting game. If the puppy thinks that he is being played with fun, he remembers commands faster and more willingly and fulfills the owner’s demands.

The first thing a puppy is taught is his name, the name of the owner and all family members. The remaining commands are started only when the puppy gets used to the new home and responds to its name. The basic set consists of the commands: “Come to me!”, “You can’t!”, “Near!”, “Ugh!”. Knowing these commands will make your walks with your pet safe.

During training, it is unacceptable to shout or physically punish the puppy . Praise him if he followed the command, treat him with a treat for it. Cavaliers are sensitive to praise and crave love and affection from their owner - take advantage of these features during training.

Training tips from owners

1. When the puppy came up to you on the command “Come!” Never immediately fasten his collar. First, give him a treat and play with him. The dog should associate this command with something pleasant.
2. If the dog is playing and does not hear the command “Come to me!”, hide behind a building or tree. This will teach him to watch you and not lose sight of you.
3. To teach your dog to walk next to your left leg, always keep a treat in your left pocket.
4. The command “No!” you need to give it loudly in a sharp and stern voice, but do not shout. As soon as the puppy stops the unwanted action, he is rewarded and praised.
5. To practice the “Near” command, it is best to use a leash with a collar, rather than a harness. During training, the leash should sag; there is no need to tighten it too much. If the puppy pulls on the leash, he is given a command and pulled sharply towards his leg.

Breeding Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Numerous cynologists around the world have been seriously engaged in breeding gentlemen for a long time. The genetics of inheritance of cavalier colors has been well studied; you can always predict the colors of puppies in advance. Naturally, if purebred sires with a known genotype are mated.

Rules:

• Solid color dominates over spotted, black over red. This means that monochromatic sires can produce spotted puppies, but when crossing spotted individuals, monochromatic offspring will not appear;
• A black and tan dog, in any combination, can produce puppies of any color;
• A redhead when mated to a tricolor will give any color; when mated to a redhead and a Blenheim - a redhead and a Blenheim;
• Blenheim and Blenheim will produce Blenheim. To maintain the brightness of the color over a number of generations, it is necessary from time to time to introduce crossbreeding with a tricolor or black and tan color;
• Two tricolors or a tricolor and a Blenheim will produce tricolors and Blenheims;
• Black and tan, after a series of crossings, lose the brightness of tan and after 2 - 3 generations need the infusion of the “red” gene of Blenheim or red;
• Mating a red dog with a Blenheim is undesirable, since there is a risk of linking hereditary defects with the red color gene;
• Black color defects will not be passed on to red puppies, and a red dog, when mated to a black one, will not pass on the properties to black puppies;
• Dogs carrying the red gene pass on their characteristics to all red offspring.

A serious color defect, white spots in red and black and tan dogs, appears in sires with weakened pigmentation. They can be on the muzzle, tip of the tail, chest, paws. This property is inherited and it is better to exclude such dogs from breeding. The producers themselves may look quite standard; only by the appearance of spotted puppies can one judge their inferiority.

When mating, it is taken into account that the color is linked to the phenotype. For example, carriers of the red gene have a flatter skull, powerful muscles in the thighs, wider and higher-set ears. There is enough literature on this topic.

Caring for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

These dogs do not require complex care. They don't need a haircut. They are combed out from time to time, mainly during molting periods - in spring and autumn, after washing. Wash the dogs if they get dirty. After walking, it is enough to rinse your paws. For washing, use only special cosmetics designed for the characteristics of a dog’s coat.

Spaniel ears require especially careful attention. They are poorly ventilated and pathogenic fungi and bacteria develop in a humid environment. They cause inflammation of the skin, which spreads to the inner parts of the ear with subsequent complications. The ears are regularly examined and the external auditory canal is cleaned with cotton wool once a week.

Important fact: In long hair, it is easy to see ixodid blood-sucking ticks, which not only cause itching and discomfort, but also serve as carriers of diseases (pyroplasmosis). Treatment against ticks is done preventively with special (acaricidal) preparations or complex ones against ectoparasites. They will also protect against fleas.

The nails of dogs that don't walk much or those that walk on soft surfaces wear down slightly. If the claws clearly interfere with placing the paw straight or cause discomfort when walking, they need to be trimmed. Use special nail clippers. Only the very end of the claw is cut off so as not to touch the blood vessel. Since the procedure is very unpleasant for dogs and will cause resistance if they are not used to it, it is necessary to accustom them to it from early childhood.

Walking is a must for this breed. Cavaliers are inquisitive and love to run around in search of new experiences. Given the breed's tendency to become obese, they play with them, forcing them to run longer. Training and socializing your dog is essential if you want to maintain good relationships with others. In addition, joint activities give the dog the joy of communicating with the owner. Gentlemen need the company of their loved ones, without which they become depressed.

What and how to feed

To feed Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, you can use both a natural diet and commercial feed.

Natural diet

The natural diet consists of:

• raw lean beef, rabbit or lamb;
• boiled turkey or chicken breast;
• offal (kidneys, heart, chicken stomachs, udder, liver);
• tripe, rennet;
• lean boiled fish, preferably sea fish;
• raw quail eggs – 2-3 pieces 1-2 times a week;
• low-fat fermented milk products (cottage cheese, kefir, natural yogurt or fermented baked milk);
• brown rice or buckwheat;
• vegetable oil (olive, sunflower) – 1 teaspoon per day;
• seasonal vegetables, fruits and herbs.

It is strictly forbidden to give:

• raw pork;
• sausages and canned food;
• pickles and smoked meats;
• fatty dairy products;
• raw fish;
• bird and rabbit bones;
• soybeans, peas;
• baked goods;
• chocolate.

From the age of 6 months, the dog needs only two meals a day. To calculate the daily serving volume, the dog's weight is multiplied by 5%.

Industrial feed

When choosing a ready-made diet for your gentleman, you need to give preference to brands of the “super-premium”, “premium” and “holistic” classes. This is the only way you can provide your pet with balanced, high-quality nutrition that will ensure good health for the dog. The daily feeding rate is calculated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging.

Best food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:

1. Piccolo Small Dogs Salmon & Venison – for small breeds, with venison and salmon;
2. Acana Heritage Adult Small Breed Grain-Free – grain-free holistic for small breeds of dogs;
3. Grandorf Adult Mini 4 Meat & Brown Rice Hypoallergenic - hypoallergenic formula for small dogs with brown rice;
4. Guabi Natural Adult Dog Mini – complete food for dogs weighing up to 10 kg;
5. Royal Canin Cavalier King Charles Adult – specialized food;
6. Brit Care Adult Small & Medium Salmon & Potato Grain Free – for miniature and small dogs.

Important!

With any type of diet, dogs should have clean, fresh water available around the clock. Water for dogs should be filtered or bottled.

Diet of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

When choosing a diet for a Cavalier King, take into account his propensities for allergies and obesity. Having chosen a nutrition system with ready-made food, it is easier to comply with the conditions - there are diets designed both for the breed (“for small breeds”) and for the lifestyle (“for active”, “for those prone to obesity”, etc.). There are veterinary foods for individuals with health problems, including for the prevention of allergies.

Many breeders, however, recommend a natural type of food for gentlemen. Offal and lean meat can serve as a source of animal proteins: beef, horse meat, turkey, lamb. Meat is given raw and boiled. Low-fat dairy products, especially cottage cheese and kefir, are a good source of calcium for strengthening the skeleton.

Important fact: Cereals are required; they are given boiled (porridge): oatmeal, rice, buckwheat. From an early age, the puppy is taught to eat fruits and vegetables, raw and stewed: cabbage, carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, apples. You can add a spoonful of vegetable oil, a quail egg or a chicken yolk to vegetables for taste.

Porridge, meat and vegetables can be given separately or mixed in different proportions, the main thing is that meat makes up at least 40% of the total diet. Additional vitamin and mineral supplements may be useful if signs of vitamin deficiency appear: poor appetite, lethargy, dull coat. Especially after illness, childbirth, heavy loads or poor nutrition.

It’s easier to list what you can’t feed. These are smoked foods, marinades and salty foods; sweet things are allowed only in small quantities for treats. By the way, “sweets” for dogs are sold in a wide range, including natural dried offal, with which the dog can have fun and brush his teeth at the same time. If the dog tolerates chicken well, he can be treated to chicken necks, paws, and heads - these are dogs’ favorite treats.

Training and education

Cavaliers are a smart breed. They quickly learn all the subtleties of training. But sometimes they allow themselves to pretend and pretend that they do not understand what is required of them. Then the owners begin to worry why the pet is not listening. But it’s not a matter of obstinate character, but of ordinary boredom. Perhaps the owner took the training too seriously and tired the pet. It is also worth considering the dog's temperament. Maybe, on the contrary, she lacks clarity in commands.

But dog experts say that during training you should not use special harshness or, even more so, show aggression. Spaniels have a rather timid disposition, and when their voice rises, they can “fall into a stupor” and refuse to exercise. Moreover, the refusal may be long-lasting. Therefore, during training you should show maximum friendliness and affection. It is better to build the lesson around the game.

Your pet's favorite treat can be an additional incentive to perform exercises.

The dogs have a peaceful character, but have a tendency towards predatory habits. For example, during a walk they like to chase a cat or rodents. Moreover, if the pet runs far enough, it may not always return on its own. Therefore, the first commands that should be learned with a puppy are “Fu!” and “Nearby!” You can let him off the leash only after the pet clearly understands these commands and follows them unquestioningly.

If your gentleman is planning to perform at exhibitions and shows, you should accustom your pet to the exhibition stand from the age of 4-5 months. Success should definitely be rewarded with a treat, accompanied by verbal praise or stroking. After the spaniel has learned the association: stand-treat, you can move on to the “Stop!” command.

King Charles require early socialization. This will help them in the future to quickly navigate in an unfamiliar environment and not experience feelings of fear and anxiety. A good example of socialization is walking a puppy together with other dogs, including other breeds. You can conduct general training on an obstacle course.

Experienced owners of show dogs recommend not to memorize the “Sit!” command. before the first show. At this moment, the dog experiences a certain fear and may become shy. Having mixed up the commands, instead of “Stop!”, he may sit down and the effect of the performance will be ruined.

Diseases and health problems

Dogs of this breed can live 10 - 12 years on average - a normal period for small breeds. Since the original group that served to develop the breed was small, the hereditary defects inherent in any of them were inherited by many descendants - this phenomenon is known as the “founder effect”.

A heart problem in particular that is all too common in Cavaliers is mitral valve degeneration (MVD). This is the leading cause of premature death in pets. More than half of dogs over 5 years old suffer from this disease and almost all dogs after 10 years. This is 20 times more common than other breeds.

Important fact: When the mitral valve degenerates, heart failure occurs, which leads to fatigue, shortness of breath, increased blood pressure, and pulmonary edema. Cavaliers should be examined by a cardiologist at least once a year, especially since they may have other heart problems.

Another popular disease in Cavaliers is syringomyelia (SM): the formation of fluid cavities inside the spinal cord. Causes neuralgic pain in the neck and chest, the dog becomes restless, lies in an unnatural position, or itches. The reason is considered to be a shortened skull and a violation of the ratio of its parts and brain size, which appeared during selection.

A unique gene mutation causes a specific neurological disorder called episodic falls syndrome. It manifests itself as attacks of “muscle contraction” in different situations. The disease is detected in a genetic test. It was discovered that tricolors carry the vicious gene much more often than cavaliers with even colors.

Also found:

1. Hip dysplasia is a congenital disease of different breeds;
2. Dislocation of the kneecap;
3. Visual impairment: cataracts and retinal dysplasia;
4. Hearing impairment, which is common to all spaniels.